website and results

Whistler's Kevin Titus takes the overall title at this year's Half Knacker 2003 - North Shore News, photo by Paul McGrat

The inaugural Half Knacker, a 25km trail running race across the eastern half of the world famous Baden Powell Trail, took place on Sunday, June 1.

209 trail runners, both novice and elite, took on the challenge of running from the base of Grouse Mountain to Panorama Park on the shores of Deep Cove.

Whistler’s Kevin Titus, a seasoned veteran of the running community, took home the overall prize with an inspired run of 1:40:25, while local adventure racer Cheryl Beatty took home the women’s crown with a great time of 1:59:54.

Paul Purin, Assistant Manager of North Shore Athletics, created quite the buzz in battling to a fantastic second place finish less than two weeks after a solid top ten finish in the Penticton Marathon.

In only three career trail races, Paul has wracked up a win (Dirty Duo 25km), and two second place finishes (Hayward 34km Trail Run, Half Knacker).

This is what Paul had to say about the inaugural Half Knacker:

“The race itself was an amazing and more importantly unique experience for me. Having not run the first portion of the route it was like an adventure navigating my way through that section of the Baden Powell. It’s amazing how much focus you must have in the trail race scenario to watch your footing and also navigate the trails. This for me is the best part of trail running. I saw Kevin Titus for about the first 5 or ten minutes and like a flash he was gone. When I stumbled my way to the top of the Power Line my legs were transformed into rubber bands and I took my first and only bail onto my face! All part of the fun, right! A well marked and challenging course left my quadriceps feeling like they were beat with a hammer. Live music, draw prizes and the beautiful surroundings of Deep Cove provided a great finish to a stellar day.”

Some Half Knacker stats:

92 female finishers / 88 Male
Youngest participant – 11 (Jack Cubbon)
Oldest participant – 69 (Harvey Nelsen)
Number of first time trail racers - 73

A huge thank you goes out to every single person who contributed to the fabulous success of this new community event!

We hope to see you all out for year two!